Lighting the Greek Stage

Much of Oedipus the King involves dull coloring and a large amount of bland, as does much Greek theater (as seen below). For example, the color of the stones and pillars, the color of masks, and the color of costuming. Through all of this, there is a sense of simplicity. It allows the audience to focus on the action and not of the abundance of things surrounding whats going on in the play. Although the lights should not be very outrageous and different from the current concept of simplicity, some "pop" wouldn't hurt and could in fact help the engagement of the audience. A good example is when Oedipus is weeping blood near the end of the play. This could be a lighting effect as apposed to a prop or costuming effect. A simple red light could indicate, along with the actors involvement, that he has gouged out his own eyes. Making the one use of color mean something, making the light itself representational and simple. Anything that can be done to accomplish the simplicity and representation of the Greek tragedy Oedipus the King is beneficial.


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Pictures found on Google Images (Search Result: lighting greek plays)